Jets Likely to Pick Pass Rusher

April 25, 2012

AP Photo

The pre-draft smokescreens, half-truths and misdirection went into overdrive on Wednesday, an annual rite of spring in the NFL.

Some speculated that the Jets would make an aggressive push to trade up for Alabama running back Trent Richardson.Others predicted that Gang Green would select Notre Dame wide receiver Michael Floyd with the No. 16 pick in the first round on Thursday.

Running back and receiver are areas of need, but the most glaring hole for Rex Ryan’s team is a stalwart pass rusher. Although general manager Mike Tannenbaum predictably didn’t shed any light on his positional priority draft list, conventional wisdom suggests that the Jets will convert one of the top-flight defensive end prospects to outside linebacker to bolster an ailing pass rush that has only one player (Aaron Maybin) who proved last season that he can win one-on-one battles...